$1,330 bid good for Santa, 4 reindeer in Flint

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A bid of $1,330 was good enough to grab a Santa Claus, sleigh and four reindeer that once brought holiday cheer from atop the Flint City Hall.

The cash-strapped city's finances are being run by a state-appointed emergency manager, and Flint has recently been selling off unneeded items.

The Flint Journal reports (http://bit.ly/11EaPfe ) the display was up for online auction Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, the auction website said the winning price came after 99 bids that started at $5. Other items being sold included vehicles, tools and some other Christmas decorations.

The plastic Santa Claus had been used for years in Flint.

Despite the sale, Flint still will get into the holiday spirit this year. City spokesman Jason Lorenz says plans call for Christmas lights to be put up.